Module Catalogues

Directing Craft and Practice

Module Title Directing Craft and Practice
Module Level Level 2
Module Credits 10.00
Academic Year 2024/25
Semester ACYR

Aims and Fit of Module

This optional module runs over two semesters and is aimed at students who want to take up directing seriously. It builds on the work that they have done at Level 4 in their Introduction to Directing module. The module provides an opportunity to the serious director to explore their craft by understanding the demands made on them as they direct short sequences and a short film.
Specifically, the module is designed to:
Give student directors a greater understanding of the theories and principles of directing fiction
Enable student directors to experience a range of directorial techniques and processes
Help student directors prepare for shoots, conduct themselves professionally on set and work with editors in post production in order to achieve their creative vision
Enable student directors to work with actors
Further enable student directors to demonstrate the ability to critically reflect on their decision making and place it within a historical context
Gain an understanding of director contracts, fees, negotiations etc. so that they can conduct themselves at a professional level.

Learning outcomes

A Discuss, analyse and critique films, understanding the practice of directing
B Successfully collaborate and communicate with actors in developing performances for the screen
C Effectively translate a script into directorial intentions by using a number of directorial techniques in the creation of meaning
D Use film language to communicate meaning to both crew and audience

Method of teaching and learning

Each semester will involve a total of 150 hours of study, thus making this module worth 300 hours of study.
The teaching sessions are divided into two components (seminars and practical workshops in studio).
The seminars will provide the opportunity to examine the work of other directors and learn from it.
The practical workshops will focus on the process of working with actors, performance and visual storytelling.